Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Illinois received a $372,016 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), awarded July 7, 2026, with completion scheduled for March 31, 2031. This award funds fundamental research to systematically profile RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) transcription activity and uncover new regulatory mechanisms governing this essential cellular process. Pol III produces noncoding RNAs critical for cell function, including tRNAs, 5S rRNA, and small nuclear RNAs, and dysregulation of Pol III activity is implicated in cancer, infection, and other disease contexts.

The research deliverables employ an integrated genomic and biochemical approach utilizing innovative techniques such as direct Pol III-4SU-UV-CLIP-nascent-seq and analysis of Pol III-centered RNA chaperone protein LA interactions, combined with traditional in vitro transcription assays. The project specifically investigates a disease-associated Pol III subunit (RPC7A) and the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex to characterize both cellular and biochemical mechanisms. Findings will elucidate tissue-specific patterns of Pol III activity and regulatory dynamics, advancing fundamental understanding of transcription regulation with direct relevance to disease mechanisms and opening new research avenues in basic transcriptional biology.